BMW K1200S

Bought the bike in 2006, secondhand with hardly a scratch at approx 9000km's. It looked great on the outside, but its transpired that it is a heap of cap! It has approx 22000 km's on the clock and in the last approx 13000km's its cost me big time. Firstly it shed a conrod cap (which cost R57000 ex Germany); it then had to be returned no less than 4x times for the accredited workshop to eventually stop the tappet cover leak after they'd worked on it; the clutch then conked in AFTER having been returned after about 50km's(Cost me R7500!). It has now blown the ABS pump that drains the battery. The cost of this pump is approx R30000! Each time that on these occassions that the bike was sent in to be repaired, factory recalls were also done of which had no prior knowledge. I've had many bikes in the past - 60 plus...and this is hands down the poorest excuse for a bike ever. I will never buy another BMW product as long as I live...

My last three bikes have all been VFRs . Had been looking at the new VFR1200 but at 11.5k thought I would have a look at the K1200S which had always been out of my price range .

Managed to get a 2006 for £6500 with 8000 miles and it was in really good condition .

It has been a great bike so far and is fast and comfortable at the same time still being sporty enough for me . I have the BMW panniers with the locks set up to my ignition key and they are great .

The only down points , and they are very minor is the fuel tank is a little small and I am still getting used to the left and right indicator switches !!. I understand the new K1300s has a conventional switch but these points are nothing compared to the joy of the bike . I have a standard grey bike and I never thought I would break from the VFRs but

I have . Honda will have to do something special with the VFR1200 to get be back.

Great machine, best I have owned in 35 years, but it is the most expensive! Done all the hyper-sports and then a new Triumph 1050 Sprint which was good but failed its first MOT on front and back suspension wear after 9000 miles!!

Good bits- seamless power, great brakes, comfort, reliability.

Not so good bits- clunky gearchange (2-3), hunts at low revs, tank a bit on the small side for long runs.

Would I have another one? Yes.

Test rode a 2009 model last month and issues seem sorted apart from poor fuel range.

Just need to save another £5500 as that is what the dealer wanted to upgrade.

iv found the perfect bike , it does it all .Open your mind ignore the so called bike press experts talk to owners and you will be surprised just how good these bikes are , easy to work on , spares and accessories are not as expensive as you might think (eg no one could touch bmw for tires cheeper bye a long shot ) and bm dealers are second to non warrenty work done with no arguments or stupid excuses all in all you get what you pay for and in my mind bmw are simply the best ,

Great looking bike, power all through range, solid and stable, really well built.

Just bought a BMW K1200S from Cannons in Braintree, great dealers even better bike..stunning, just get one!

I ' ve had a BMW K1200S for a little over a year and a little over 13k miles.

They do pretty much what you would expect. They are very quick and actually handle reasonably well though are a little on the ' bland 'side. The brakes will stop it on a sixpence and the front end is very smooth and doesn ' t dive although. They are extremely comfortable and reasonably economical (I get a pretty consistent 45mpg). Get one with ESA fitted, it ' s not a gimmick, as it is extremely useful in allowing you to change the suspension settings as your mood or the road surfaces change during a journey.

If you ' re looking for a bike that really gives you that ' something extra 'and makes you feel 'all warm inside' then the K1200S is probably not for you (but then nor are any of its main competitors either!) If you are looking for a good, solid work horse that can hustle when require, can cross continents with ease, that will impress when you open the throttle or put on the brakes and will start even when it ' s been left unloved then the K1200S is worth serious consideration.

Handling and the power are brilliant very fast bike. This bike would take some beating it pulls the birds and genraly annoy most other bikers.

I have a 2008 BMW K1200s. After riding a 2005 Honda cbr 100rr, the BMW is a join. Perfect seating position, ABS, and has all the power I need. Handling is superb.

The BMW K1200s is very stable fantastic handling, braking is outstanding. Good comfortable ride whether on mounting passes or motorway, reasonable mpg for a bike so fast and powerfull. Not yet been on anything yet to match this terrific machine.

Shaft drive obviously cuts down on chain wear but a little heavy on tyres try the avon storms, my opinion but I have worn the bobbles on the footrest so they must have good grip.

Good for long roads, also good in city traffic, fast like RR's what can you want more?